Voraka Magazine Interview

1. Why did you choose Australia as the setting for your story?

I’d travelled to other countries before emigrating to Australia, but this vast magnificent country with a diverse cultural history, laid-back approach and a love of being outdoors, offered a new perspective. Western Australia is where Sam Fisher belongs, and is responsible for shaping my novel from beginning to end.

2. What was the main reason for writing your book?

The turning point contributing to writing If Wishes Were Horses, came after reading a book on my Kindle from a new author. It really wasn’t that good, and I just thought that I could write something better!

3. How do you choose character names and are they all in your head before you start writing?

I’m actually not quite sure! Sam Fisher just appeared in my head one day so I had his name from the start. I had the loose storyline from the very beginning, but other characters like Trent and Kate were added as I went along.

4. Does your work as a nurse have any impact on your writing?

Strangely, no! It’s like they are two completely different sides of me, and neither has an impact on the other. Now you mention it, perhaps one of my characters should have suffered a chronic skin condition! Perhaps in my next book..

5. Do you have a favourite setting or scene in the book?

This would definitely have to be Fremantle. With its vibrant, bohemian culture and colonial buildings, this is a favourite place of mine. The small unique shops, Cappuccino Strip and trendy breweries, all add to the laid-back and friendly vibe. With Sam’s social anxiety, Fremantle was somewhere I knew he would not feel judged or disrespected.

6. Did you research homelessness whilst writing the story?

7. Yes I did, it was during Covid when I spoke to some homeless people, which added plenty of extra stress for them. One gentleman had money for food, but without a mask, wasn’t allowed to enter the shop to buy anything – luckily I had some masks in my car I could give him. Bad luck and circumstances seemed a common underlying cause for their situation which definitely helped shape Sam’s story.

8. You mentioned Ed Sheeran’s song Overpass Graffiti in a previous blog, does music help your writing?

When I first heard this song whilst driving I instantly pictured a gloomy graffiti covered overpass, and the scene with Sam was born. I listen to music every day, and as it has many benefits for the mind, I have no doubt that it helps the creative juices flow.

9. Do you think hobbies help with writing like your love of interior design and fitness?

I’m not sure, but perhaps envisaging how a space can take shape with colours, textures and placement of furniture, is similar to imagining a story and writing a book! As fitness is good for the brain and body, I’m sure it impacts my writing in a positive way.

10. How do you choose fictional places for your story?

Choosing fictional settings is tremendous fun, and I aim to come up with a name that suits the particular location, it’s actually quite easy. Sometimes it’s a reference to my life, like the suburb of Lowry taken from a place I lived in UK. My favourite is definitely Koraborri. I wanted a place beginning with ‘K’ and Koraborri had a Goldfields feel to it, and it just rolls off the tongue beautifully!

11. What is the most rewarding part of writing a book and also the most challenging?

The most rewarding part is seeing all the storylines merge together towards the final chapters of the book. Questions are answered, secrets revealed, and the drama and conflict you created during the story inevitably unfold. There was only really one challenge along the way, and that was time – not enough of it!

12. What do you hope that readers will take from your novel after reading it?

I hope readers from different countries can feel a connection to Perth through my words. This happens to me when reading stories set in other cities; sometimes I feel like I’ve actually been there! I also hope Australian readers enjoy my detailed descriptions of Perth which I felt were necessary to Sam’s story – I hope it makes Perthites proud!

13. Finally, what are your hopes for the future, and any final words for Voraka Magazine?

I’m extremely honoured and excited that Voraka Magazine is featuring my novel! I have actually begun writing my next book, and with recognition a powerful tool, I hope my future work can reach audiences far and wide thanks to collaboration with Voraka Magazine!

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